How Was Monojit Mishra Appointed Despite Criminal History?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Appointment of Monojit Mishra violated college norms.
- Only four out of eight governing body members approved his hiring.
- Concerns about Mishra's criminal history were raised.
- College authorities terminated his appointment amid public backlash.
- Political leaders are demanding accountability from the governing body.
Kolkata, July 2 (NationPress) Monojit Mishra, a key figure implicated in the Kolkata law college rape case, was hired as a temporary employee at the same institution, breaching fundamental regulations, sources reveal.
According to the sources, when the proposition for Mishra's hiring, a former student of the college, came before the governing body members a few months prior, only four out of eight members cast votes in favor of his appointment.
However, institutional sources pointed out that the standard procedure mandates temporary hires to receive approval from a two-thirds majority of governing body members.
Furthermore, four of the eight governing body members opposed Mishra's hiring, citing his criminal background, which includes hooliganism, inflicting serious injuries, and sexual harassment on campus.
Despite these concerns, his appointment was approved due to the pressure from a prominent governing body member, whom Mishra reportedly referred to as 'uncle', sources added.
In light of the ongoing rape scandal, the college administration has decided to terminate Mishra's contractual position and mandate the return of his earnings during the interim.
Additionally, two other individuals accused in the case, Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, both current law students, have been expelled from the institution.
Opposition leaders have begun questioning how Mishra's hiring was authorized in the first place, despite his criminal history.
BJP's Information Technology Cell chief Amit Malviya has publicly commented on Mishra's dismissal and the expulsion of Ahmed and Mukhopadhyay from the college.
Malviya stated, 'The pressing question is who in the college's governing body, led by Trinamool Congress legislator Ashok Kumar Deb as president and the vice-principal as secretary, approved Mishra's hiring and who protected him for an extended period?'
'This isn't merely an isolated incident. Women at the college have long endured harassment, abuse, and even murder attempts. Yet, Monojit Mishra remained within the system, shielded by those in power. Now, after public outrage, they seek to distance themselves? This is not accountability; it is complicity. Ashok Deb, Nayna Chatterji, and every member who facilitated or protected Monojit Mishra should resign and face charges for aiding and abetting an accused rapist.' Malviya added.